Gentleman, as a 16 year old girl growing up in this “amazing” next generation, it’s kinda hard to find yourself. My life was changed by a Marine Corps recruiter (Sgt Arlt). Marcus actually has probably heard about us because we represent team never quit in the northwest Ohio region. Our office carries our TNQ flag on all of our runs. My never quit story happens to start on March 24, 2013. This was the exact date I became interested in the Marine Corps. A 13 year old girl, now wanted to be a Marine, not a princess. It’s kinda funny, I called a recruiter at 13. I took a card from a stand in the mall and I called a recruiter. And at the age of 13 I told a recruiter I wanted to join, I told him I wanted to go tomorrow. He said I was a little too young, just a little, but he did say that I could come to pt and try it one time. I said I would and I was excited. So at thirteen I went to my first Marine Corps pt and now I am 16 and doing 15 pull-ups on a normal day.

I wouldn’t have been able to come this far without that role model and I am very thankful for my recruiter. This leads me to my other never quit story. My 8th grade year in school, I beat all odds to be awarded the honor of laying the wreath at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That was only the beginning. I recently completed a huge application process to be accepted into Marine Corps Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy. One out of 300 juniors and seniors from all over the United States. This stuff isn’t really normal for a teen girl. I have had many people tell me that I shouldn’t do this stuff. This generation where I am from doesn’t realize what it means to give 100% of yourself at all times. Personally, it doesn’t matter what they say, I am going to be a Marine. That’s just how it is going to be. They ask me why I do what I do. I just tell them I believe that I need to serve my country, it is my calling and I can never quit and give up on my dream. My parents don’t like it so much and the rest of my family doesn’t like it but, I won’t give it up. This is my life, this is my chance to make my dream a reality. If you never quit, it is amazing what you can do. Nothing can stop you, absolutely nothing and your dreams never die.